10 Benefits of Baking Soda for Hair, Skin and Body

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One of the best products which appear in everyone’s kitchen is the baking soda. It is actually sodium bicarbonate which is a natural substance appearing most often in the form of fine powder.

It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and is also a powerful medical tool which helps in colds, oral problems, or even skin issues.

It is best to use it in short periods as excessive use can damage your hair and skin.

Here are 10 benefits of baking soda for your hair, skin and body.

1. Fights Acne and Pimples

You don’t need expensive facial creams to get rid of acne – baking soda can do the same easily. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can treat acne and prevent their recurrence. Baking soda will also regulate your skin’s pH balance and prevent skin breakouts. To treat acne, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water, then apply the paste on your face and leave it to work for a minute or two before rinsing with cold water. Repeat the treatment every day for 2-3 days, then continue by repeating it twice a week.

2. Whitens your teeth

Baking soda is a great natural teeth whitener. It is a mild abrasive that can remove stains from your teeth while also eliminating acids in your mouth and plaque. Just dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush your teeth as usual, and repeat the process every couple of days for best results. You can also make your own teeth whitener by mixing 4 tablespoons of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of coconut oil. Brush your teeth with this mixture every other day and your teeth will soon be whiter than ever before.

3. Relieves sunburn and blisters

During the summer, keep a box of baking soda handy. Due to its alkaline nature, baking soda has a soothing affect on sunburned skin, which helps relieve the itching and burning sensations. It also has mild antiseptic and drying properties that help dry out sunburn blisters quickly.

– Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of cold water. Soak a clean washcloth in this solution, wring out the excess water and apply it as a cool compress on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. Repeat 2 or 3 times a day until you get relief.
– Alternatively, add ½ cup of baking soda to a bathtub filled with water. Stir well and soak yourself in this water for 10 to 15 minutes. After getting out of the bath, pat dry or allow your body to air dry. Do this once daily for a few days.

4. Improves Skin Complexion

Baking powder removes dead cells acting like an exfoliate agent, it also balances pH levels that is very important for maintaining clear skin. Take filtered or rose water and add 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda to make a paste, apply it on your face and let it stay for 1 minute rubbing it off using the tips of your fingers, then wash your face with lukewarm water patting it dry. Repeat this 1-2 times a week. Moisturize your skin before you use the baking soda. Or, you can mix it with lemon juice and 4-5 extra-virgin olive oil and apply it on your face leaving it stay for 5 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Repeat this 2-3 times a week.

5. Treats Stained or Yellow Nails

Baking powder has bleaching and exfoliating properties that remove stains. Mix ½ cup of water with 1 tsp. of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 1 tbsp. of baking soda in a bowl. Stir well and dip your nails 2-3 minutes repeating this once every 2 weeks. Or, mix 2½ tbsp. of baking soda with 1 tbsp. of 3% hydrogen peroxide to make a fine paste and apply on your nails with a cotton swab. Wait for 2 minutes and rinse the nails with warm water. Repeat this once in 2 months.

6. Removes body odor

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer which can eliminate your body odor. It will absorb moisture and sweat from your skin, effectively getting rid of the odor. As an antibacterial agent, it will also kill the bacteria that have caused the odor. Mix 1/8 of a teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of water and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil and apply the mixture on your underarms with a cotton ball. You can also try mixing an equal amount of baking soda and cornstarch, then apply the powder on your underarm to get rid of the unpleasant odor.

7. Treats smelly and oily hair

If your hair gets oily too fast and smells bad as well, baking soda is the answer to your prayers. It will reduce the oiliness and regulate the pH level of your hair, effectively removing the odor and keeping your hair healthy.

Mix 1 part of baking soda with 3 parts of water, then apply the mixture on damp hair and wait for 5 minutes before washing it off with water. Repeat the process only once or twice a month. You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda in your shampoo and use it to wash your hair regularly, or use baking soda as a dry shampoo. If you choose the latter, mix equal amounts of baking soda and cornstarch, then sprinkle the powder on your hair roots and brush your hair nicely. You will be amazed by the results!

8. Removes Dandruff

Dandruff is difficult to get rid of, especially during the winter months, but not impossible. With proper and regular hair care, you can eliminate dandruff easily.

Baking soda can help banish those annoying white flakes on your scalp and hair. It clarifies the scalp and helps clear off flakes. In addition, as baking soda is alkaline, it helps bring the pH balance of the scalp to a healthy equilibrium.

– Rub 1 tablespoon of baking soda onto your wet hair and scalp. Wait for a minute, then rinse it out thoroughly with water. Do this once a week only.
– Alternatively, mix freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Apply it to your scalp, allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes and then rinse your hair with water. Follow this remedy once a week only to keep your scalp free from dandruff.

9. Heals Skin Rashes and Itchiness

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties baking powder has soothing effect reducing inflammation, swelling and itching. For localized itching mix water and baking soda in ratio of 1:3 and apply on the affected area, let it sit for couple of minutes and then wash it off with cool water, repeat this on regular basis; or, for itching all over your body, add 1 cup of the baking soda in a bathtub of cool water and soak for 10 minutes a day. If your skin is broken or very irritated avoid using baking soda.

10. Treats nail fungus

To treat nail fungus overgrowth, soak your fingernails in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of baking soda and a cup of ACV. Repeat the process twice a day for best results. Another option is to apply a paste of 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda and warm water on your nails, then rinse it off with warm water after a couple of minutes. We recommend using the paste every day.